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Tax Return
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Apr 5, 2021 11:18:26   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
I just got my tax returns done and sent in. Yesterday, I paid H&R Block for their software, but it was worthless. It kept running me around in circles, and I got nowhere after a few frustrating hours. I've been using H&R for half a dozen years, but the 2020 version is horrible. Today, I found FreeTaxUSA and I got the Fed and State done, easily, step-by-step.

Fortunately, H&R offers a 60-day money-back guaranty, so I'll see if that's any better than their software.

I know - a lot of you are going to tell me how much you like H&R and how easy it is to use. Good for you!

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Apr 5, 2021 11:20:58   #
Triple G
 
jerryc41 wrote:
I just got my tax returns done and sent in. Yesterday, I paid H&R Block for their software, but it was worthless. It kept running me around in circles, and I got nowhere after a few frustrating hours. I've been using H&R for half a dozen years, but the 2020 version is horrible. Today, I found FreeTaxUSA and I got the Fed and State done, easily, step-by-step.

Fortunately, H&R offers a 60-day money-back warranty, so I'll see if that's any better than their software.

I know - a lot of you are going to tell me how much you like H&R and how easy it is to use. Good for you!
I just got my tax returns done and sent in. Yeste... (show quote)


We used TurboTax and it worked fine. We got our return deposited today which is about one week from submission. No complaints with that.

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Apr 5, 2021 11:31:20   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Triple G wrote:
We used TurboTax and it worked fine. We got our return deposited today which is about one week from submission. No complaints with that.

Ditto.

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Apr 5, 2021 11:43:57   #
KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia
 
Like “Triple G” and “Longshadow” I used TurboTax and have for quite a few years. From the advertisements, looks like others are cheaper but so far I have just stayed with TurboTax.

Forget the dates now but filed the 1st day IRS was accepting returns and received deposit in account very quickly after.

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Apr 5, 2021 11:46:52   #
David Martin Loc: Cary, NC
 
I used H&R 2020 version for state and fed returns, and had no issues. Glad you found an alternate solution.

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Apr 5, 2021 12:16:56   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
I still do mine by hand and read the appropriate IRS publication for each form as needed (and very occasionally, I get advice from a CPA on an unusual case, such as 1031-B property exchanges). I find it gives me an insight into how specific rates, rules and regulations actually work, such as depreciation and rental property income. I find that useful, but it is admittedly old school. Interestingly, both my sons who use tax prep SW come to me each year to check and assist with their returns.

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Apr 5, 2021 12:26:05   #
krashdragon
 
I've been using FreeTaxUSA for a few years, I like it. But you do have to learn how it works.

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Apr 5, 2021 14:06:46   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
TriX wrote:
I still do mine by hand and read the appropriate IRS publication for each form as needed (and very occasionally, I get advice from a CPA on an unusual case, such as 1031-B property exchanges). I find it gives me an insight into how specific rates, rules and regulations actually work, such as depreciation and rental property income. I find that useful, but it is admittedly old school. Interestingly, both my sons who use tax prep SW come to me each year to check and assist with their returns.


I wouldn't know where to begin with paper forms again. I guess the PO has them, but NY requires electronic filing.

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Apr 5, 2021 14:27:48   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
jerryc41 wrote:
I wouldn't know where to begin with paper forms again. I guess the PO has them, but NY requires electronic filing.


I can just download and print them, but if you’re expecting a refund, I’m sure that would delay it. I can do it electronically also - my point was that I don’t use tax filing SW, I do it myself manually. NC requires electronic filing also I believe. i am by no means suggesting that you shouldn’t have a CPA or knowledgeable tax preparer do your return if it’s complex, just suggesting there’s a benefit in understanding the tax code as it applies to you. With the increased standard deduction, there’s less and less reason for the average person to itemize unless you have excessive medical bills, taxes or business expenses, and that simplifies many people’s returns.

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Apr 5, 2021 15:03:27   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
I've been using FreeTaxUSA for at least six years. Love it! But I have nothing complex to deal with, and no state income tax.

btw, I've been in the first groups to receive the three covid-related stimulus payments each time. It is direct-deposited to the same credit union where I have the tax refund assigned.

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Apr 5, 2021 20:27:49   #
DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
 
I did my taxes by hand until I started the farm. At that point I felt it was worth getting a CPA to get into the details. Doesn’t cost that much and he probably saves me money in the long run. I believe in using the right tools for the job.

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Apr 6, 2021 06:18:17   #
gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL
 
Jerry, I have used HR Block for years, even before it was HR Block. I did not have any issues with this years version, did you talk to their technical support? Gary

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Apr 6, 2021 06:22:30   #
OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey
 
Triple G wrote:
We used TurboTax and it worked fine. We got our return deposited today which is about one week from submission. No complaints with that.


Been using Turbo Tax (well wife has been) since first introduced, NY & NJ, never a problem.

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Apr 6, 2021 06:59:08   #
DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA
 
I have always used a professional, mine are way to complicated, always to trust anything else. My tax lady (Mrs. James) retired from the IRS. Never a problem.

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Apr 6, 2021 07:19:48   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
gwong1 wrote:
Jerry, I have used HR Block for years, even before it was HR Block. I did not have any issues with this years version, did you talk to their technical support? Gary


They wanted $70 to talk to Support.

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